Consumers can be vulnerable to loosing money or their belongings if they fall victim to scams or unlicensed traders.
Scams
Scams, rip-offs and frauds are becoming more and more commonplace. Consumer Protection created WA ScamNet to help combat this ever-increasing problem.
WA ScamNet
WA ScamNet profiles the most prevalent scams targeting Western Australians and provides information on different types of scams, how to recognise scams, and what to do if you have received a scam. It also provides links to other useful websites such as WA Police and counselling services for victims.
How to spot a scam
There are so many types of scams out in the community, it can be very hard to identify what is legitimate and what is a scam. Spotting scams and learning how to protect yourself from falling victim, will help you avoid losing vital personal information and money.
Read our fact sheet for tips on how to protect yourself, a friend or family member.
Join us in the fight against scams!
Simply send in your suspect emails and letters, WA ScamNet team can identify the most prevalent scams and provide information to law enforcement agencies here in Australia and overseas.
You can help by
- reporting a scam and
- subscribing to WA ScamNet alerts
Go to the WA ScamNet website for more information.
Unlicensed traders
Consumers are left with little or no protection if something goes wrong if they use an unlicensed trader. This is particularly risky with unlicensed vehicle sellers and repairers.
Consumer Protection is responsible for a variety of licences and registrations. Consumer Protection administers the following:
- real estate and business agents and sales representatives
- settlement agents
- land valuers
- motor vehicle repairers and repair businesses
- motor vehicle dealers, yard managers, salespeople and dealer premises
- employment agents
- debt collectors
For more information or to apply, renew or update a licence, please visit the Department's licensing page.
Most licensed traders have to undergo training, possess a great deal of knowledge about the law and meet certain selection criteria and checks before they are approved for a licence by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. As a result, establishing and running one of these businesses can require a great deal of investment in time and money.
Dob in an unlicensed trader
If you believe your trader is unlicensed, please contact Consumer Protection. A person convicted of unlicensed dealing may face a fine.
Additionally, there are various occupation licenses issued by Consumer Protection with differing penalties applicable for operating unlicensed, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Real Estate & Business Agents - $100,000
- Settlement Agents - $100,000
- Motor vehicle repair businesses - $50,000 and a daily penalty of $1,000 (uncertified repairers face a fine of $5,000)
Formal complaints can be address to:
Email:
consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au
Phone:
1300 30 40 54
Post:
Commissioner for Consumer Protection
Locked Bag 100
EAST PERTH WA 6892